We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee Webley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Renee, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and raised by wonderful Jamaican parents. My parents instilled a strong value system in us from a young age, but also welcomed independent thought and creativity. I have always been a goal setter, highly organized, and very creative. I always had an agenda book since elementary/middle school and would plan out my month, goals, and tasks. I aimed for greatness and to accomplish goals constantly. This has definitely been a strong attribute of mine which has allowed me to flourish throughout life.
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my dad and witnessing his entrepreneurial efforts. He owns Webley’s Interiors, an interior decorating business in Miami, FL. He would listen to “How to be Your Own Boss” tapes while we drove around and he often took me to construction job sites. This is where I began to see the space I also wanted to be in one day. I quickly was interested in who was designing these spaces and the decision to become an architect was made by age 12. Prior to this decision I had a 5th grade class assignment to design your dream home on grid paper, this was my first home design and was pretty much a mansion with fountains and slides from the second floor into the pool area. My life experiences have definitely had a profound impact on who I am today! I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What should our readers know about your business?
Today, Renée is the Principal Architect and Owner of RAW Design & Consulting and is proud to be a rarity in her profession; as only 0.3% of licensed Architects in the US are Black Women. Staying persistent in her goals Renée established RAW in 2011 after noticing a need in the architecture and construction industry for specialized consultants and independent contractors. Since then RAW Design & Consulting has grown from a consulting company to providing full professional architecture and interior design services.
Ms. Webley is a nationally certified and licensed Architect with registrations in the states of Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Texas. She also holds a Florida Interior Designer License and is an experienced LEED Accredited Professional. Her company, RAW Design & Consulting offers Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Design/Build, and Project Management services for the residential and commercial markets. RAW’s project portfolio includes residential additions/renovations, new construction homes, commercial interior build-outs, exterior improvements, retail design, restaurant design, LEED/Green Building certification, and project feasibility studies. RAW Design & Consulting has worked on an array of projects throughout Florida, Texas, Indiana, Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands.
Our biggest lesson learned along this journey has been the importance of quickly identifying client’s needs and adapting to each specific project, the current economy, and trends. We have learned the importance of creating a niche for your brand. We have added a new niche in the past few years of creating spaces and prototype designs for new restaurant, bar & lounge companies/brands.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For some Mediterranean Eats and Hookah – Layali in Doral
For Fitness – The Yoga Joint or Club Pilates
For some Yummy Eats and Cocktails with a more intimate vibe – Houston’s Aventura
For shopping and relaxing – The Shops at Bal Harbor
Dancing and Music – Wynwood or an event by Social Exchange
To explore and Sightsee – Downtown Miami By the Perez Art Museum and Look at the Magnificent Building by Zaha Hadid
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing close girlfriends whom have always had my back and sent encouraging words throughout my journey to becoming an Architect. I have a strong support system that constantly reminds me of how much I have accomplished and how much I am admired.
Website: www.raw-ad.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawdesignconsulting/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-webley-architect/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawdesignconsulting/
Other: Houzz Profile https://www.houzz.com/pro/rwebley/raw-design-consulting
Image Credits
World Famous House of Mac – Wynwood Da Cave Miami